A prospective randomized study for comparing bipolar plasmakinetic resection of the prostate with standard TURP.

Objectives: To compare clinical results of plasmakinetic (PK) resection vs. standard monopolar resection of the prostate, i.e. transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

Materials And Methods: 48 patients were included in this study between January 2003 and October 2003. They were randomized into two groups (TURP:PK) with a ratio of 1:1. PK resections (n = 24) were carried out by using PlasmaKinetic Tissue Management System (Gyrus Medical Ltd, Cardiff, UK) and PlasmaSect electrodes. TURPs (n = 24) were done by using a 26-Fr continuous-flow resectoscope and Karl Storz 27040 electrodes. Patients were assessed for safety and efficacy by measuring the IPSS and maximum flow rates at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and residual urine measurement at 3, 6 and 12 months and transrectal ultrasonography at 6 months.

Results: The patients' ages ranged from 50 to 82 (mean 64 +/- 10) years. Groups were similar for operation time, bleeding score, resected tissue, catheterization time and irrigated volume. Mean serum Na levels at the end of the operation were 141.7 +/- 5.1 in the TURP group and 145.2 +/- 4.4 in the PK group (p = 0.013). The IPSS, QOL score and Q(max) had improved significantly in the postoperative period without any differences in either group.

Conclusions: The main advantage of PK resection seems to be decreasing the risk of TUR syndrome, thus, larger prostates could be treated without a time limitation, theoretically. However, this technique brings no advantages in terms of intra- and postoperative bleeding, hospital stay, operation time and late complications.